3 ways Illinois can beat Minnesota on Saturday

What does every Illinois victory have in common? The Illini had huge rushing performances with at least 235 yards. It’s one area Illinois has found success, ranking 23rd among FBS teams and third in the Big Ten with 226.9 rushing yards per game. Their nine runs of at least 40 yards is tied for third in the nation. Reggie Corbin’s 8 yards per carry is best in the conference. Illinois will get another boost if Mike Epstein can return from injury Saturday after missing the Maryland game.

2. Get back to forcing turnovers.

Last week’s loss to Maryland snapped a 21-game streak with at least one takeaway for the Illini defense. Minnesota isn’t always careful with the ball, coughing up eight fumbles and throwing 11 interceptions, and the Illini defense hasn’t proved it can stop drives other than by snagging a turnover. Redshirt freshman quarterback Tanner Morgan will earn his second start for the Gophers. His 302 passing yards in last week’s victory against Indiana were the most by a Minnesota freshman in his first start, and he threw only one pick against three touchdowns. Minnesota lost three fumbles but still managed to beat the Hoosiers.

3. Play inspired defense.

The Illini defense has taken deserved criticism. Now it’s without coordinator Hardy Nickerson, who resigned this week. Coach Lovie Smith will take over defensive play calls. Now would be a good time to play with some motivation and focus. Illinois has given up far too many big plays. Maryland scored on a 46-yard pass and runs of 64, 54, 43, 43 and 27 yards, in addition to a 97-yard kickoff return. The Gophers offense hasn’t wowed anyone, and Illinois is in desperate need of a home victory.

Shannon Ryan’s pick: Illinois will show more fight, but it doesn’t have the defensive chops to pull this off. Minnesota 38, Illinois 27.